What is the main goal of the U.S. Clean Water Act?

The primary objective of the U.S. Clean Water Act is to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation’s waters. This act, first passed in 1972, aimed to achieve fishable and swimmable waters by regulating the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters and providing federal funding for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities. The act establishes the framework for regulating point sources of pollution and ensuring water quality standards are met to protect public health and the environment.

While the other choices touch on aspects related to water quality and treatment, they do not encompass the broader and more comprehensive goal of the Clean Water Act. For instance, regulating wastewater treatment chemicals and promoting industrial wastewater recycling are important but are ultimately means to achieve the larger objective of maintaining water integrity. Reducing the cost of wastewater treatment is also a consideration, but it is not the main goal of the act; rather, it focuses on improving water quality and protecting aquatic ecosystems.